Mountain market – A harmony of ethnic communities in Thai Nguyen province
WVR - Over the weekend, we traveled to the mountainous communes of the province, where the vibrant Nghinh Tuong and Than Sa market fairs echoed with cheerful voices and laughter — an uplifting symphony of rural life.
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| Mountain Market – Locals bring to the market a wealth of produce from the mountains and forests. (Source: baothainguyen.vn) |
Most locals make their way to the market along winding forest trails, their motorbikes rumbled gently — unhurried, unrushed — rolling past sleepy villages still wrapped in morning dreams.
As we neared the market, soft giggles floated through the air. H’mong and Dao girls, dressed in dazzling traditional skirts, walked in groups. The way they headed to the market felt more like heading to a festival, eyes sparkling, footsteps light, hearts full of joy.
The market wasn’t yet crowded, but something distinct was already in the air: a quiet warmth, a simplicity so sincere it felt like home. No flashy shops, no bold signs, just tarps spread over stones, sacks used as stalls. And right there, culture came alive, in every embroidered skirt, every shy glance, every firm handshake.
People sold chickens, bamboo shoots, and firewood. Some brought nothing but stories and laughter to share over a cup of corn wine. Others had left home since 3 a.m., only to return with a handful of salt or dried fish, trekking across mountains and streams once more.
The market shimmered with the colours of handmade skirts, especially the pleated ones worn proudly by H’mong women. They walked with confidence, as if their clothing were their finest charm. Near a small patch of wild greens, women laid out bamboo shoots, sticky rice wrapped in leaves, and baskets of eggs, humble offerings carrying the breath of the mountains.
In the far corner beneath a tree, a group of Tay elders sat in a circle. Corn cakes, boiled bananas, and small cups of rice wine sat between them. They talked, they laughed, and in that moment, it felt like time had slowed for a while.
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| Mountain Market – The rustic charm and simplicity of sellers and buyers at the market. (Source: baothainguyen.vn) |
People greet one another in their mother tongues, yet understanding flows through smiles, glances, and a quiet warmth that words can’t quite capture.
At a simple stall laid out on the bare earth, a woman smiled kindly and offered her goods in softly accented Vietnamese. Her voice was unpolished, but it warmed us like a sip of corn wine on a chilly morning.
We met Giang A Pao, a H’mong man from Lung Luong village, who had sold a rooster and dried bamboo shoots. With just over 200,000 VND in hand, he debated whether to buy pork or a new outfit for his child. In the end, he chose the outfit. “It’ll make the kid happy”, he said, grinning. “But my wife asked me to buy so much, I’m not sure this is enough!”
People come to the market not just to trade goods, but to share stories, exchange news, and pass on traditions. Women gather to swap embroidery tips and child-rearing secrets. Young men hum new melodies. Elders tell stories of the past.
As noon draws near, footsteps begin the return journey, some quiet, some filled with chatter. “The market’s so much fun”, said a Dao woman, laughing. “Even if we don’t buy anything, we come just to see each other”.
We walked away, sunlight stretching long on the path behind us. In that place, every skirt, every greeting, every note of the khen (H'mong musical flute) seemed to sing together, a mountain melody of joy and belonging.
